African Mahogany
Khaya anthotheca · Hardwood / Exotic
- Type
- Hardwood / Exotic
- Origin
- West, Central, and East Africa.
- Hardness
- 830 lbf (Soft to Medium)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to rot/decay but susceptible to insect attack.
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Grain Pattern
Principally straight to interlocked grain, with a fine to medium uniform texture and ribbon-stripe figure when quarter-sawn.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood varies from a pale pink to a deeper reddish-brown, often with a golden luster. Colors tend to darken with age and exposure to light. Sapwood is yellowish-white.
Hardness (Janka)
830 lbf (Soft to Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to rot/decay but susceptible to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 to $10.00 per board foot.
- Wood Age Estimate
- The sample appears to be from a contemporary piece of furniture, likely manufactured within the last 5 to 15 years, showing minimal oxidation or wear.
- Sustainability Status
- Vulnerable (IUCN Red List); not currently CITES listed, but widely available as FSC certified.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, veneer, boat building, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
West, Central, and East Africa.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer are recommended to protect the medium-soft surface; oil finishes enhance the natural golden-red luster.
Notable Features
Features a distinct chatoyancy (shimmer) when finished. Lower density than American Mahogany but shares similar acoustic properties for instruments.
